Apparatus and method for analyzing golf swing

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to an apparatus for analyzing a golf swing. In particular, the present invention relates to a golf swing analyzer comprising two or more lights on an extension that is attached to a connector. In turn, the connector is capable of being attached to a golf club shaft or hosel, without being attached to the head of the club.

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority from provisional application No.60/171,266 filed Dec. 16, 1999.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a golf swing analyzer that iseasy to attach and detach from a golf club, and provides data during agolf swing which allows golfers to adjust the direction and club faceangle of the golf club.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Golf is a popular sport played by participants that demonstrate awide range of abilities. One fundamental skill that separatesaccomplished golfers from hacks involves the ability to properly swing agolf club to strike a golf ball solidly towards a target. In general,even if poor golfers manage to cause the club to contact the ball, theywill not hit the ball properly. Poor golfers will generally cause theball trajectory to deviate from the desired target by a severe curve tothe left (hook) or, more commonly, a severe curve to the right (slice)(unless otherwise specified, this discussion focuses on right-handedequipment and golfers with the confidence that the ordinary artisanwould understand how to apply the discussion herein to left-handedequipment and golfers).

[0004] By comparison, good golfers will hit the golf ball substantiallystraight at a target, accounting for any natural draws (a gentle hook)or fades (a gentle slice). However, most golfers cannot regularlycontrol their natural draw or fade. Depending on the appropriatesituation, the accomplished golfer can generally hit the ballsubstantially straight, with a draw, a fade, a slice or a hook at will.However, even accomplished golfers struggle to maintain control overtheir swing.

[0005] Under the “practice makes perfect” mantra, many golfers practiceby swatting the club at real or imagined targets, hoping to stumbleupon, and imprint into their muscle memory, a serviceable swing. Realityrequires perfect practice to make perfect, and golfers need to determinewhether a swing has been correctly executed before attempting to imprintthat swing into their muscle memory. To assist in the process ofdetermining and imprinting a proper swing, many golfers turn to golfinstructors for help. Alas, instructors are expensive, and not generallyavailable at convenient times or locations. Moreover, once the lesson isover, many golfers resort to bad habits.

[0006] Therefore, it is not surprising that numerous devices thatpurport to improve a golfer's golf swing have been devised. Many ofthese devices are expensive, too complex and/or require a lot of room orequipment in order to diagnose and/or correct the golfer's swing. Manydevices are limited in the particular component of the golfer's swingthat they can correct.

[0007] For example, a number of patents, such as U.S. Pat. No. 6,139,442to Wilson, U.S. Pat. No. 3,191,939 to Hooper and U.S. Pat. No. 2,787,470to Barrus et al., disclose persistence of vision-based golf swinganalyzers that are mounted in or on the golf club head. Unfortunately,analyzers that are mounted on the club head are not readily adjusted topractice alternative swings. Further, analyzers that are mounted on theclub head also are not easily detached and re-mounted on the other clubsin the golfers bag. Analyzers that are integrated into the golf clubcannot be used in conjunction with the other clubs at all.

[0008] Other patents such as, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,070,373 toMathews et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,820,795 to Taylor and U.S. Pat. No.3,863,933 to Tredway disclose devices that are attached to the shaft orhosel of a golf club. However, these devices indicate the path of theswing, not the angle of the club face. It is apparent that thesepredecessor devices do not provide an inexpensive, simple way of helpinggolfers adjust multiple components of their swing for each club in theirbag.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method foranalyzing a golf swing. In particular, the present invention relates toa golf swing analyzer comprising two or more lights on an extension thatis attached to a connector. In turn, the connector is capable of beingattached to a golf club shaft or hosel, without being attached to thehead of the club.

[0010] When attached to a golf club that is swung by a golfer, theanalyzer provides trails of lights that indicate the swing path of theclub and the angle of the club face at the point in which the golferwishes to strike a ball. Accordingly, golfers can determine whether theyaccomplished a desired swing, and make the necessary adjustments toachieve the desired swing. Moreover, the golfer can use the analyzerwith each club in their golf bag.

[0011] One aspect of the present invention is a golf swing analyzercomprising light emitting diodes (LEDs) affixed on a printed circuitboard that is attached to a connector. The connector is capable of beingattached to the hosel of a standard golf club, such as an iron or adriver. In the absence of a hosel, the connector can be attached to theshaft of the golf club. However, unlike prior art that address the clubface angle, the present analyzer need not be attached to the club head.In a preferred embodiment, the connector comprises a housing to containa battery and is configured mechanically and electrically such that whena battery is inserted into the compartment, and the club is swung, thebattery is electrically coupled to the LEDs and the LEDs are turned on.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012]FIG. 1 is an angled prospective view of an embodiment of thepresent invention attached to a seven-iron golf club.

[0013]FIG. 2 is a top prospective view of an embodiment of the presentinvention attached to a seven-iron golf club.

[0014]FIG. 3 is an outline view of the printed circuit board of thepresent invention.

[0015]FIG. 4 is a top outline view of the analyzer of the presentinvention.

[0016]FIG. 5 is a top, outline view of the connector of the presentinvention.

[0017]FIGS. 6a-c illustrate club face angles at the point of impact, andhow the analyzer diagnoses the club face angle.

[0018]FIGS. 7a-c illustrate club head directions at the point of impact,and how the analyzer diagnoses the club head direction.

[0019]FIGS. 8a-c illustrate club alignments at the point of impact, andhow the analyzer diagnoses the club head alignment.

[0020]FIG. 9 is a side cut-out view of the analyzer, showing the batteryhousing.

[0021]FIG. 10 is a side top view of the analyzer, showing an alternativeextension for providing a virtual display.

[0022]FIG. 11 shows a virtual display provided by the analyzer of FIG.10.

[0023]FIGS. 12a-b illustrate prospective views of alternative structuresused to connect the cap and the body of the connector.

[0024]FIG. 13 shows prospective view of a target line with a target.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Swing Defects and Method of Correcting Them

[0026] Problems that occur during a golf swing include the club headswing plane not being parallel or on-line with the intended target line(compare FIGS. 7a-c), improper club face angle (compare FIGS. 6a-c), andimproper alignment of the clubface at the point of impact (compare FIGS.8a-c). The analyzer according to the present invention addresses each ofthese problems by providing visual data for golfers to analyze thecritical parts of their swing while practicing.

[0027] In attempting to properly hit a golf ball with a golf club, agolfer will line up the golf club, and in particular, the face of thegolf club, with the golf ball to be hit. The golfer places the face ofthe golf club in the desired position in relation to the golf ball withthe hope that, during the actual swing of the golf club, the face of thegolf club will return to the desired position as the face makes contactwith the ball. FIGS. 6a-c illustrate the club head 44 of an ironapproaching an impact point 18 with respect to the target line 16 atthree club face angles, square, closed and open, respectively. In eachfigure, solid line 20 and broken line 22 illustrates the perceivedposition of the light trails of an analyzer (not shown) as the club facenears impact point 18.

[0028] In addition, in trying to properly hit the golf ball, the golferwill try to swing the golf club in a desired path, such that the planeformed by the path of the club shaft directs the clubface to contact theball at the desired spot. If this is accomplished, the ball willinitially travel in the desired direction. This second component of aproper swing is the club head direction through the impact zone. FIGS.7a-c illustrate the light trails 20 and 22 of an analyzer (not shown) asa club head (not shown) passes through impact point 18 relative to atarget line 16 when the club head direction is outside-in, inside-outand on-line, respectively.

[0029] Yet another component of a successful swing is the position ofthe club head with respect to the golf ball at the point of impact. Aclub face (see 46 in FIG. 2) has a sweet spot 48 where contact with agolf ball produces the best results. Sweet spot 48 is generally locatedin the middle of golf club face 46. Accordingly, the golfer does notwant to hit a golf ball near the toe 50 (distal end from golfer) of theclub head or near the hosel 14 of the club head (the shaft 34 of theclub for clubs that do not have a hosel). This third component of asuccessful swing is the club head alignment at the point of impact.

[0030]FIGS. 8a-c illustrate the club head 44 of an iron approaching animpact point 18 with respect to the target line 16 at three club headalignments. FIG. 8a shows club head 44 approaching impact point 18 nearthe toe 50 of the club head. FIG. 8b shows club head 44 approachingimpact point 18 at or near the sweet spot 48 of the club head. FIG. 8cshows club head 44 approaching impact point 18 near hosel 14 of the clubhead. In each figure, line 20 and line 22 illustrate the perceivedposition of the light trails of the analyzer (not shown) as the clubface nears impact point 18. Note that in FIGS. 6a, 7 c and 8 a-c, forthe sake of clarity, lines 20 and 22 are shown as closely separated.Ideally, the lines should be merged at the point of impact.

[0031] The present invention takes advantage of a phenomenon known aspersistence of vision. As the golf swing is executed, the lights on theanalyzer are on, and the head of the golf club, along with the analyzer,travels a path through the golfer's field of vision. Within the golfer'sfield of vision at his or her feet, which is spread out according to thebreadth of the golfer's peripheral vision, the golfer detects the lightsof the analyzer. In the golfer's mind, as the lights pass by, the trailsof light will be remembered. The trails of light, created by thegolfer's persistence of vision when the golf club is swung, willindicate whether the swing was proper or not. Preferably, by usingdifferent colored lights for the lights or by providing other forms ofdisplays, the vision will register where the club head was aligned atthe point of impact, the direction or path of the club head, and theangle of the clubface at impact. In the context of this invention,lights encompass all sources of light, including LEDs, light bulbs,optic fibers and such.

[0032]FIGS. 1 and 2 show one embodiment of a golf swing analyzer 10 inaccordance with the preferred embodiment attached to a golf club 12. Theanalyzer is assembled such that it can be attached to the hosel 14 of astandard golf club iron or driver. In the alternative, when a club doesnot have a hosel, or the hosel is too thick to engage the analyzer, theanalyzer is attached to the shaft 34 of the golf club.

[0033] The preferred unit is self-contained and requires no otherattachments, although a separate pack can be attached to the shaft forbatteries or other diagnostic components (microprocessors,accelerometers, etc). In addition, the analyzer can also be utilizedwith a target line. A target line would be placed on the ground near orunderneath where the golf swing takes place. The target line provides alinear frame of reference for the golfer when the device is used.

[0034]FIGS. 6a-c, 7 a-c and 8 a-c show a target line as line 16 with an“X” 18 as the impact point. Darker line 20 indicates the front lighttrail of this embodiment, while broken line 22 indicates the back lighttrail. By observing the light trails a golfer can adjust the swing tomanipulate the lights so that a desired swing is accomplished. Forexample, the desired swing generally requires a square face (FIG. 6a),an on-line direction (FIG. 7c) and aligning the ball on the sweet spotof the club face (FIG. 8b). If the light trails for a swing do notindicate the desired swing, the golfer can adjust the each component ofthe swing until the desired light trail configuration is observed, andthe desired swing is accomplished.

[0035] Power Source

[0036] Numerous methods are available for providing the energy thatpowers the analyzer, particularly the lights. It is conceivable for theanalyzer to be connected to an outlet or to a battery back that isattached to the club. In addition, numerous switches are available toprovide a way to turn the lights on and off. See U.S. Pat. No. 2,787,470for one example. However, in a preferred embodiment, the analyzerconnector 30, see FIG. 9, includes a housing 62 that houses a battery 24that is suspended between a top spring 26 that is conductively connectedto at least one top contact 28 and at least one bottom spring 32.

[0037] In this preferred embodiment, battery 24 is substantiallyparallel to the club shaft 34 within connector 30 and suspended awayfrom adjustable lower contact 36 by bottom spring 32. However, thebattery can be placed in a number of locations with the same result,including in a pack separately attached to the shaft of the golf club.When the club is swung, centrifugal force presses battery 24 into lowercontact 36, thereby completing a circuit that provides power to theanalyzer. In this manner, it is possible to provide power to theanalyzer only when the golf club is swung. Of course, a different weightcan be utilized instead of a battery, such that the weight wouldcomplete the connection between the battery and the LEDs.

[0038] Lower contact 36 incorporates a setscrew design that can beadjusted to create different sensitivities of contact with the battery.For instance, when a golfer swings a driver, the device may need to beless sensitive because the driver may be travelling faster than when thedevice is attached to an iron. Further, when the device is attached to athree iron, the club head speed may be faster than when a nine iron isused. Moreover, lower contact 36 can be adjusted so that the circuit isalways complete or is complete when gravity pulls down on battery 24.

[0039] This configuration provides a more practical and useful design.First, since it is only on when being swung, the unit uses less powerand therefor can utilize a smaller and lighter battery. Also, prior tothe swing of the club, the LEDs are off and do not disrupt the golfer'svision. Finally, the analyzer is always ready to be used; there is noneed for an on/off switch, and thus no need for the device to be turnedon or off. This simplifies the design and decreases the manufacturingcosts and increases the reliability of the device.

[0040] Diagnostic Lights

[0041] At least two light sources must be used in order to allow fordiagnosis of all of the above-referenced components of the golf swing.However, aside from that limitation, a variety of light configurationscan produce the diagnostic effect according to the present invention. Apreferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a front LED 38and a back LED 40 which are positioned between about 0.5 inch to about2.5 inches apart on an extension 42 above club head 44 (see FIGS. 1 &2). The LEDs are positioned so that, when the extension is positionedabove the club face for an on-line, square contact, a line drawn throughthe LEDs would be about 90° or perpendicular relative to the surface ofthe clubface 46.

[0042] Preferably, the two LEDs provide two different colors of light(for example, red in front and green in back), so that the golfer'spersistence of vision creates two visible, different-colored lines thatappear when the golf club is swung. This effectively creates a momentarypicture in the golfer's “mind's eye” of club path, club head alignmentand club head squareness at the point-of-impact (the most critical partsof a swing). Now one can analyze each swing and make precise, specificadjustments to the next swing if necessary. Further, a video camera canbe utilized to memorialize the path that the LEDs follow.

[0043] Unlike the prior art discussed above, the present analyzer is notlimited to practicing on-line, square contact swings. The golfer canalso practice draws, fades, slices and hooks by simply rotating theanalyzer about the longitudinal axis of the golf shaft to an appropriateangle relative to the club face.

[0044] Versatile Extension

[0045] While the extension can be made from a number of materials fromplastics to ceramics, a printed circuit board is a preferred material ofthe present invention. FIG. 3 illustrates the top view of an extension42 for a right-handed golfer. Two bores 52 allow extension 42 to beattached to the connector 30 by bolts 54 (see also FIGS. 1-2 & 4) thatare threaded into socket 80 in the connector. The tightening of thebolts can also secure the upper contact of a circuit which runs betweenthe battery, the contacts, and along the circuit board, for activatingthe LEDs. Although shown as secured by two extension bolts, theextension can be secured by one extension bolt so that the extension canrotate about the bolt to adjust the angle of the extension relative tothe connector and/or the shaft. Further, a ratcheting means can bedisposed between the extension and the connector to provide a method ofrotating the extension at discreet angles. Incidentally, FIG. 3 can alsorepresent the bottom view of extension 42 for a left-handed golfer.

[0046] This circuit board design provides an easy way to exchange orreplace the extension. One simply unbolts the extension and then boltsanother extension on the connector. One reason to replace the extensionis the potential wear and tear of the circuit board and the LEDs.Another reason to replace the extension is to utilize alternativeextensions.

[0047]FIG. 10 illustrates the top view of a an alternative analyzer 10′having on extension 42′, an LED array 56, a mode selector 58, a clubselector 60, a Y-accelerometer (not shown), a X-accelerometer (notshown) and a microprocessor (not shown). When a club with this analyzeris swung, the accelerometers provide relative speed data to themicroprocessor, which converts the data into electrical signals to theappropriate LEDs in the LED array.

[0048] The array produces a virtual display of text, numbers and symbolssuch as the one shown in FIG. 11. As shown, the display provides a boxand X representation of the club head and club face position. Thedisplay also indicates the speed of the club and the calculated distancethat a ball would travel if the swing was used to strike a ball.However, other virtual displays are within the skill of the ordinaryartisan (e.g., displaying the forgoing information individually or indifferent combinations).

[0049] The mode selector allows the golfer to determine the informationto be displayed by the virtual display. The club selector allows thegolfer to select how the microprocessor should account for the club usedwhen converting the data from the accelerometers into the information tobe displayed. In a preferred embodiment, the accelerometers and themicroprocessor are attached to the bottom of the extension.

[0050] Unique Connector Capable of One-Hand Attachment

[0051] The presently preferred embodiment utilizes a cap and bodyconnector as shown in FIGS. 1-2 and 4-5. Connector 30 comprises a body64 that can be fastened to a cap 66. In a preferred embodiment, fourconnecting bolts 68 are inserted through four transverse cap holes 70 incap 66. The cap holes have a cap notch 72 at the top that locks the topof the connecting bolts. The bolts can be threaded into correspondingbolt sockets 74 in body 64 so that body 64 engages cap 66 to form aclamp that can be attached to the hosel or shaft of a golf club. Theclamp is tightened when connecting bolts 68 are threaded more deeplyinto bolt sockets 74. Preferably, body indent 76 and cap indent 78provide a cavity to house the hosel of shaft of the golf club. Thecavity also provides additional surface area for securing the analyzeragainst the surface of the hosel or shaft. As shown in FIG. 5, body 64also has extension sockets 80 to receive the extension bolts 54 whenextension 42 is attached, and housing 62 to receive battery 24.

[0052] Alternative means to attach connector body 64 to the hosel orshaft of the golf club are shown in the prior art. A band clam is shownin U.S. Pat. No. 2,787,470. An engaging clamp is shown is U.S. Pat. No.3,191,939. U.S. Pat. No. 3,070,373 illustrates a spring clip type clamp.U.S. Pat. No. 3,820,795 demonstrates a snap fitting attachment. FinallyU.S. Pat. No. 3,863,933 shows a cuff-type attachment.

[0053] A particularly preferred embodiment of an analyzer 10′ is shownin FIG. 12a, where body 64 further comprises a longitudinal pin cavity82 along one of the sides that engages cap 66 and receives connectingbolts 68. In place of the above-referenced bolt sockets 74, hinge slots86 are formed in communication with pin cavity 82 to receive connectingbolts 68. A hinge pin 88 having hinge sockets 90 is inserted into pincavity 82 so that hinge sockets 90 are exposed in hinge slots 86. InFIG. 12a, hinge pin 88 is inserted in pin cavity 82 with connectingbolts 68 already inserted through cap holes 70 in cap 66 and threaded inhinge sockets 90. In this manner, one side of body 64 forms a hinge withone side of cap 66, and can open and close, simply by rotating the capabout the hinge pin.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 12a, bolt sockets 74 are formed in body 64across indent 76 and opposing the hinge to receive at least oneadditional connecting bolt 68′ (two shown) to engage body 64 with cap66. Accordingly, analyzer 10′ is attached to a golf club by placing theshaft or hosel in body indent 76 and rotating cap 66 about pin 88 untilthe opposing bolt 68′, already inserted in cap 66, is threaded into boltsockets 74.

[0055] In a even more preferred embodiment of analyzer 10″, bolt 68′ ispre-threaded in socket 74 in body 64. In place of the cap holes 70, cap66 has cap slot 92, as shown in FIG. 12b, that is capable of receivingbolt 68′ in a transverse manner. Similar to cap holes 70, cap slot 92 istopped by cap notches 72′, capable of locking the tops of bolts 68′. Inthis embodiment, cap 66 is hinged to body 64 by pin 88 and connectingbolts 68. Bolts 68′ are pre-threaded in socket 74 opposing the hinge.When body 64 and cap 66 are located next to each other along the lengthof bolts 68, cap 66 is capable of being rotated so that bolt 68′ istransversely received in cap slot 92. Body 64 and cap 66 are thenseparated along the length of the bolts such that notches 72′ lock thetop of bolt 68′, thus preventing bolt 68′ from disengaging from cap slot92.

[0056] Analyzer 10″ is capable of being attached and detached fromdifferent clubs with one hand. First, the analyzer must be pre-adjustedto the golf club. To do so, a golfer engages the analyzer with thethicker portion of the hosel or shaft of a club (most clubs have atapered hosel or shaft), and adjusts the connecting bolts so thatsufficient friction is available between the connector and that portionof the club to keep the analyzer from freely rotating about the shaft.Using extension 42 as a lever, the golfer can then apply sufficientforce to twist the analyzer and move it to a thinner portion of thehosel or shaft, so that sufficient length is available in bolts 68 and68′ to unhinge body 64 from cap 66 by simply rotating cap 66 about thehinge formed by pin 88.

[0057] Once pre-adjusted, one can engage the body of the connector at athin portion of the shaft or hosel of other golf clubs having similarhosels or shafts, then rotate the cap about the hinge so that bolt 68′which is pre-treaded in body 64 is transversely received in cap slot 92.The analyzer is then slid along the shaft or hosel to a thicker portionof the club. As the analyzer is slid along the shaft, the cap slidesaway from the body along the length of the bolts until the top of thebolts are engaged in the notches in the cap (72 and 72′), and frictionsecures the cap, the golf club and the body together.

[0058] As described above, to disengage the analyzer, one twists theanalyzer by using the extension as a lever, then slide analyzer alongthe shaft or hosel to a thinner portion of the golf club until asufficient gap is formed for the cap and body to slide along the lengthof the bolts, and unhinge from each other. The analyzer is ready to beplaced on another golf club. The one hand method may not work on clubshaving hosels or shafts that are too thin or too thick. For such clubs,the analyzer can still be attached by removing the bolts, placing thegolf shaft or hosel on either the cap or the body, then engaging andsecuring the remaining parts of the connector.

[0059] Unique Target Line

[0060] While the analyzer is designed primarily for swinging in the air,it is possible to swing a club with an analyzer at a golf ball, or asurrogate thereof. FIG. 13 shows a target line 16′ that is especiallyuseful when used with the analyzer of the present invention. Target line16′ comprises a back strip 100 comprising a first ground attaching means102 at first end 104, and a first Velcro portion 106 fixed at secondback strip end 108. A target 110 is located adjacent to the Velcroportion 106, but closer to the middle of back strip 100.

[0061] A front strip 112 comprising a first front strip end 114 and asecond front strip end 116 forms the remainder of the target line 16′.Front strip 112 is releasably attached to back strip 100 when a secondVelcro portion 118 (fixed to first front strip end 114) is engaged withfirst Velcro portion 106. A flexible ground attaching means 120 atsecond front strip end 116 provides a means to attach front strip 112 tothe ground. The flexible ground attaching means 120 is used to providesufficient tension so that when front strip 112 is attached to backstrip 100, and both strips are attached to the ground, target line 16′provides a substantially straight line.

[0062] In the context of this invention, ground attaching means 102 caninclude a variety of structures, including pins and stakes. FIG. 13shows a hole at end 104 in which a golf tee can be pressed into theground. Further, FIG. 13 shows flexible ground attaching means, as arubber shock absorber at end 116 that is secured to the ground byanother golf tee. Springs would also work in this context.

[0063] With or without a swing analyzer, a golfer can address and swingat target 110 while using target line 16′ to line up the swing. Whenengaged, Velcro portions 106 and 108 form a safty release, so that ifthe golfer strikes the target line, preferably at target 110, strips 100and 112 disengage from each other so that the golfer is not injured bycatching the golf club on the target line, and the target line is notdamaged by contact with the golf club.

[0064] While the present invention has been described in terms ofparticular embodiments, it is apparent that one skilled in the art canadopt other forms without departing from the scope and spirit of thisinvention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is limited only bythe literal and equivalent scope of the claims that follow. In addition,any art cited herein is incorporated by reference.

I claim:
 1. A golf swing analyzer comprising a printed circuit boardthat bears at least two LEDs and a circuit capable of connecting theLEDs to a battery; the printed circuit board is attached to a connectorthat comprises a body and a cap, wherein the cap and body are capable ofbeing connected by at least two connecting bolts to form a clamp that,without being attached to the head of a golf club, is capable ofengaging the hosel of the golf club with sufficient friction to preventfree rotation of the analyzer about the hosel of the golf club; and thebody comprises a housing capable of containing the battery such thatwhen the battery is placed inside the housing, and the golf club isswung, the battery is capable of being electrically coupled to the atleast two LEDs, thereby providing light trails that allow an observer tovisualize multiple components of the swing.
 2. A golf swing analyzercomprising: an extension that bears at least two lights and a circuitcapable of connecting the lights to a power source; the extension isattached to a connector that comprises a body and a cap, wherein thebody and the cap form a hinge when, a pin is inserted into a pin cavityin the body in a manner that allows the pin to rotate along itslongitudinal axis, the pin having at least one pin socket capable ofreceiving a first connecting bolt, and the first connecting bolt isinserted through a cap hole in the cap, then through a hinge slot incommunication with the pin cavity in the body, and then threaded intothe pin socket; wherein, at a portion of the body substantially opposingthe pin cavity, the body has at least one bolt socket capable ofreceiving a second connecting bolt that, when received in the boltsocket, is capable of transversely engaging a cap slot at a portion ofthe cap substantially opposing the cap hole when the cap is hinged tothe body and is rotated about the pin to engage the second connectingbolt; and when hinged, the cap and the body are capable of opening toreceive a hosel or a shaft of a golf club, then closing to form a clampcapable of being tightened to attach the analyzer to the golf club.
 3. Agolf swing analyzer comprising: an extension that bears at least twolights and a circuit capable of connecting the lights to a power source;the extension is attached to a connector comprising a body having a bodyindent and a cap having a cap indent, wherein the body and the cap arecapable of engaging each other to form a clamp in which the body indentand the cap indent form a cavity capable of receiving a shaft or a hoselof a golf club; wherein, when engaged around the shaft or hosel of thegolf club, the connector is capable of clamping on to the hosel or theshaft of the golf club without being attached to the head of the golfclub, so that the analyzer cannot freely rotate, but is capable of beingrotated, about the longitudinal axis of the shaft of the golf club. 4.The golf swing analyzer according to claim 3 wherein the at least twolights are two LEDs of different colors arranged on the extension sothat, when the analyzer is attached to a golf club such that theextension is extended over a face of the golf club, and a golfer looksdown on the club face, the LEDs is capable of forming a straight linethat is perpendicular to the face of the golf club.
 5. The golf swinganalyzer according to claim 3, wherein the body further comprises ahousing capable of containing a battery; the housing including a topspring conductively connected to a top contact, a bottom spring and abottom set-screw contact; wherein when the housing contains a battery,and the analyzer is attached to a golf club swung by a golfer, thecircuit is complete, and power is directed to the lights.
 6. The golfswing analyzer according to claim 3 wherein the extension is a printedcircuit board that is releasably fastened to the body by at an extensionbolt.
 7. The golf swing analyzer according to claim 6 wherein theprinted circuit board bears a Y-accelerometer, a X-accelerometer, amicroprocessor and an LED array capable of producing a virtual displayof text, numbers and symbols.
 8. The golf swing analyzer according toclaim 7 further comprising a mode selector and a club selector.
 9. Thegolf swing analyzer according to claim 3 wherein the body and the capform a clamp when at least two connecting bolts are inserted throughcorresponding cap holes in the cap and the at least two connecting boltsare threaded into corresponding bolt sockets in the body.
 10. The golfswing analyzer according to claim 3 wherein the body further comprises alongitudinal pin cavity along a first side of the body that engage thecap, a hinge slot in communication with the pin cavity so that when apin having a hinge socket is inserted into the pin cavity, the hingesocket is exposed by the hinge slot; the cap further comprises atransverse cap hole in a first side of the cap that engages the firstside of the body; and wherein the body and the cap form a hinged clampwhen a connecting bolt is inserted through the cap hole and threadedinto the hinge slot exposed hinge socket of the pin that has beeninserted into the pin cavity.
 11. The golf swing analyzer according toclaim 10 wherein the a second hinge slot is in communication with thepin cavity so that when the pin further comprising a second hingesockets is inserted into the pin cavity, each hinge socket is exposed bya corresponding hinge slot; the cap further comprises a secondtransverse cap hole in the first side of the cap that engages the firstside of the body; and wherein the body and the cap form a hinged clampwhen two connecting bolts are inserted through the cap holes in the capand threaded into the hinge slot exposed hinge sockets in the pin thathas been inserted into the pin cavity.
 12. The golf swing analyzeraccording to claim 4 wherein the body further comprises a longitudinalpin cavity along a first side of the body that engage the cap, at leasttwo hinge slots in communication with the pin cavity so that when a pinhaving at least two hinge sockets is inserted into the pin cavity, thehinge sockets are exposed by the hinge slots; the cap further comprisesat least two transverse cap holes in a first side of the cap thatengages the first side of the body; and wherein the body and the capform a hinged clamp when two connecting bolts are inserted through thecap holes and threaded into the hinge slot exposed hinge sockets of thepin that has been inserted into the pin cavity.
 13. The golf swinganalyzer according to claim 5 wherein the body further comprises alongitudinal pin cavity along a first side of the body that engage thecap, at least two hinge slots in communication with the pin cavity sothat when a pin having at least two hinge socket is inserted into thepin cavity, the hinge sockets are exposed by the hinge slots; the capfurther comprises at least two transverse cap holes in a first side ofthe cap that engages the first side of the body; and wherein the bodyand the cap form a hinged clamp when two connecting bolts are insertedthrough the cap holes and threaded into the hinge slot exposed hingesockets of the pin that has been inserted into the pin cavity.
 14. Thegolf swing analyzer according to claim 6 wherein the body furthercomprises a longitudinal pin cavity along a first side of the body thatengage the cap, at least two hinge slots in communication with the pincavity so that when a pin having at least two hinge socket is insertedinto the pin cavity, the hinge sockets are exposed by the hinge slots;the cap further comprises at least two transverse cap holes in a firstside of the cap that engages the first side of the body; and wherein thebody and the cap form a hinged clamp when two connecting bolts areinserted through the cap holes and threaded into the hinge slot exposedhinge sockets of the pin that has been inserted into the pin cavity. 15.The golf swing analyzer according to claim 2 wherein the at least twolights are two LEDs of different colors arranged on the extension sothat, when the analyzer is attached to a golf club such that theextension is extended over a face of the golf club, and a golfer looksdown on the club face, the LEDs is capable of forming a straight linethat is perpendicular to the face of the golf club.
 16. The golf swinganalyzer according to claim 2, wherein the body further comprises ahousing capable of containing a battery; the housing including a topspring conductively connected to a top contact, a bottom spring and abottom set-screw contact such that, when the analyzer is attached to agolf club swung by a golfer, and the housing contains a battery, thecircuit is complete, and power is directed to the lights.
 17. The golfswing analyzer according to claim 2 wherein the extension is a printedcircuit board that is releasably fastened to the body by an extensionbolt.
 18. The golf swing analyzer according to claim 17 wherein theprinted circuit board bears a Y-accelerometer, a X-accelerometer, amicroprocessor and an LED array capable of producing a virtual displayof text, numbers and symbols.
 19. The golf swing analyzer according toclaim 2 wherein the at least two lights are two LEDs of different colorsarranged on the extension so that, when the analyzer is attached to thegolf club such that the extension is extended over a face of a golfclub, and a golfer looks down on the club face, the LEDs is capable offorming a straight line that is perpendicular to the surface of the faceof the golf club; wherein the extension is made from a printed circuitboard that is releasably fastened to the body by at least two extensionbolts; the body further comprises a housing capable of containing abattery, the housing including a top spring conductively connected to atop contact, a bottom spring and a bottom set-screw contact such that,when the analyzer is attached to a golf club swung by a golfer, and thehousing contains a battery, the circuit is complete, and power isdirected to the lights.
 20. A golf swing analyzer kit comprising thegolf swing analyzer according to claim 3 and a target line comprising afront strip connected to a back strip by a first Velcro portion on thefront strip and a second Velcro portion on the back strip, wherein thefront strip further comprises a flexible ground attaching means, and theback strip is folded into a target pocket adjacent to second Velcroportion and further comprises a ground attaching means.